What Is Radon and Why Does It Matter?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It rises up through the ground and can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, sump pits, and other openings — especially into basements and lower levels, where it can accumulate.

Why Radon Matters

The reason radon matters more than most other indoor air concerns is simple: you cannot see it, smell it, or taste it. There's no odor, no visible sign, nothing that tips you off. The only way to know whether radon is present in your home, and at what level, is to test for it.

According to the EPA, long-term radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking, and the leading cause among non-smokers. That's a serious statistic, but it comes with a genuinely reassuring flip side: radon is straightforward to test for, and if levels are elevated, mitigation systems are a well-established, effective solution.

Why Every Home Should Be Tested

Radon levels vary significantly by location, soil composition, and even house-to-house on the same street, so a neighbor's clean test doesn't tell you anything about your own home.

Illinois, including the Chicagoland area, has elevated radon potential in a number of areas due to local soil and geology — which is exactly why testing is worth doing regardless of how new or well-built a home is.

Testing Is Simple

The good news: testing itself is simple, non-invasive, and typically takes about 48 hours on-site, with results delivered within roughly 3 business days.

Schedule a radon or mold test today with DezAir Quality Testing online at dezairqualitytesting.com.